LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap..rw Copyright No. 

Slielf..X6_,r/4 7 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



ANTONY AND HERO 



BY 



lAiivriE. 



F. Simon, Publisher. 
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT. 



-0^3531 



.x.sM 



49524 

Copyright, 1899. 
By F. Simon. 

All Riqhts Reserved. 



wo eoPiF-s RSCEiven. 



SECOViO''^^^' 






^C-fN%^ 






POETICAL SELECTIONS. 

Hero's description of sunrise. Act /, Scene /. 
Why, I was awake, and 
In serious meditation, an hour before 
O'er eastern mountains in it's distant orb, 
The sun arose in fiery majesty. 
And was admiring how the sparkling dew 
Did grace the changing landscape hereabouts. 
As sol's slow creeping fire did burnish every drop. 

Antony s praise of ambition. Act J, Scene. 1. 

Well has he succeeded 
In his fight for fame, and I am proud of 
His acquaintance. Well do I remember, 
How in our youthful sports, he ever did 
Affect commanding, a leadership 
Was always his ambition, and on that 
He has built a monument of fame. I 
Was ever known for and proud of my strength, 
And age made that youthful pride a serious 
Ambition till I became an athlete. 
A man's life is modeled out in youth 
By an unseen power, and as he dies 
So wa^it destined. 

Alice trying to encourage Leopole. Act 1, Scene S. 

Come Leopole, be merry. 
This sullenness does not become you, and 
You have no cause for being so. One defeat 
Is no disgrace, not when your victories 
Are summed up. 'Twas an honor to be matched" 
To Antony. Come let's be merry as usual. 

Antony' s praise of uniforms. Act 2, Scene 1. 
Oh such a specticle ! Look ! Look ! He was wise, 
Who first suggested uniforms for soldiers, 
For while formidable to the enemy, 
They inspire a friend. Look ! See how more imposing 
Than the citizens, and yet they are but people. 

And this martial music, 
Makes one almost wish for foes. 



Hero's defense of Antony. Act 2, Scene 1. 

'Tis false^ 
I swear it ! I have been his inmost friend 
For many years, and have oft lieard him praise 
Your qualities and ambition. He was 
The first to applaud your every promotion, 
Of all your friends he was most eager to hear from you,. 
And good news he would address as though 
Your person with : Brave Charles with but a few 
More strides we shall say Great Charles ! 'Twas he 
Suggested, as my father knows, all these 
New entertainments for to-day, and he 
Worked for their completion so inceasingly. 
There was no time for conspiring. And now 
You call him your enemy, and a traitor. 
For this small accident that only seemed to harm. 

Hero's love for Antony. Act .?, Scene 3. 
Think you I would encourage a man, who 
Downed my Antony ? No ! If Antony dies, 
Why so do I to all the world. 
I would live and die a dry old spinster 
With no occupation, but training flowers 
For his monument. 

Antonys generosity and confidence in hin friends. Act 4, Scene 1. 
No, No. You live. 
Live and be famous, live and be honored 
As an athlete, for the people must have one 
For their amusement and their idol, and 
Who is there but you that is worthy, and 
Entitled to their praise? And, Leopole, 
All the medals and trophys I have won, 
I've willed to you, they with my titles 
When I am dead are yours, with my best wishes 
That you honor them, and there is no one 
More confident than I am that you will. 



-Antony, — Champion Athlete, 
Charles,— A Duke's Officer, 
Leopole, — Ex-Champioii Athlete, 
Abraham,— Judge and Hero's Father, 
Wiggins,— Jailor, 
Swipes, — His Assistant, 

Tom Sawyer,— i 

Tough Characters. 
Bill Judson, - ) 

Johnson, — Prosecutor, 

Jones, — Sheriff, 

Hero,— Antony's Love, 

riargaret, — Antony's Sister, 

Theresa, — Hero's Maid, 

Alice, — A Cortizan, 

Citizens, Officers, Band, Soldiers. 



Act I. (Scene 1.) Abraham discovered. 

Abraham. — Now has father time began that day, which crowns- 
My liappiness, and brought sol's glowing light 
O'er eastern mountain tops to do his part. 
Oh happiness to think, my daughter weds 
To-day, and weds a man that's loved by men. 
What luck of fortune what anything brings 
More Joy to a loving father, there's nothing. 
It has brought youth back to my mind, but not 
My bones, for if it had I'ld dance and leap. 
And somersault for Joy. But no, mine must 
Be expressed with pleased appearances. She 
Will wed Antony ere night, Antony 
The famous athlete, 
He who so lately conquered Leopole, 
The favorite of the duke his chum, called 
Hercules by all, and praised above him 
All for his qualities, 
Untill Antony o'erthrew him as though 
He had no opposition and many 
Claim 'twas so for policy to lure some 
Spicy wager on another trial. 
No, no ! 

That desperate aspect such tugging and 
Straining that every muscle seemed to swell 
An inch, that red complexion as when 
Exertion crowds a man's blood against his 
Skin and forces out large beads of sweat, such 
Heaveing at the finish to catch his breath 
All prove that Leopole was not trifeling. 
I'll not believe it. I have double cause 
For Joy, for to-day I will be relieved 
Of my political cares for brave Charles, 
A chum of Antony's as boys. 
But seperated these five years by their 
Professions to seek fame and fortune, and 
Well they have succeeded, Antony the 
Mightj^ athlete and Charles the brave soldier. 



'T will be a sight to see those famous leaders 
In their callings meet, with their mutual love 
Since childhood. Charles fame and qualities, 
Have won for him succession to my office, 
Which he comes to-day to accept, and I 
Will be relieved. But ho ! Come, come, be merry. 

{Rings for and enter servant.) 
Where's Hero, not up yet ! Go make her stir. 

(Exit servcmt.) 
The day's and hour gone. She must be 
Much contented to sleep so long this day. 
(Enter Hero.) 

Hero. — Good morning. Did you think me tardy? 

Abr. — You are not much interested in your 
Marrying or you'd been about ere this. 

Hero. — Why. I was awake and in 

Serious meditation, an hour before 
O'er eastern mountains in his distant orb 
The sun arose in fiery majesty. 
And was admiring how the sparkling dew 
Did grace the changing landscape hereabouts. 
As sol's slow creeping fire did burnish every drop. 

Ahr. — You should be gay and happy, this is no time 
For seriousness — 

Hero. — But my future happiness 

Is a serious question. 

Abr. — It was. 

But with such a husband as Antony 
To care for that you should be merry. 

Hero. — It always was my nature to be serious 
And I thank my maker for that fault. I 
Would not for the world be giddy, for then 
I'ld not have Antony's love. 

Abr.— The happiness that comes from love lies not, 
As some claim, all in the procuring, there's 
More in the preserving. And if you would 
Keep fresh your husbands love, take these receipts 
From my experience. 



First, do not be dominering, for heaven 

Decreed that woman should not equal man. 

Think more of comforting your husband, than 

Of teaching him, and if in aught you think 

He's wrong and cannot change him with 

A sort of suplicating modest waj', 

Convince yourself he's right. In cleanliness, 

In order, yea in everything be so precise 

As to consider all your imperfections. 

As transgressions. 'Tis the duty of 

The husband to furnish means of sustainance 

For his family. 'Tis the duty of 

The wife to use those means to best advantage. 

For both the happiness and comfort of 

Her family. You are both worthj^ of each other 

Which is much towards making your love mutual. 

Hero. — My father, glad I am to be advised 
By anyone with more experience, 
And you can be content these maxims shall 
For reference ever be, deep graven in 
My memory. {Enter Leo.) 

Z/eo.— -Good morrow both, and happy day. 

Hero. — Good morrow, Leopole. 

Ahr. — Good morrow^ to you, and your looks proclaim, 
A wish of happiness unnecessary. 

Leo. — I have good cause for happiness for I 

C!ome direct from your successor. The first 
I saw of him in five long years. 

Ahr.— How does 

He look and how behave himself amongst 
His honors? Glad to be back no doubt. 

Leo. — Tall and handsome but 

A little stiff to me as though to say, 
My position sir, calls for respect. 

Hero.— 'Tis 

Coneeitedness, 'tis natural to him, 
He was so as a boy. 



9 

Leo. — Prepare 

To welcome him for he'll be here ere long 

On business. He wished me to remind you, 

To make all preparations for the parade. 
Ahr. — 'Twas unnecessary. The paraders 

Will be ready when we are. We shall march 

About and arrive at the tribunal 

So as to install him at high noon when 

My term expires. 
Leo. — He is anxious to have 

Much celebration. 
Ahr. — The preparations 

Are the grandest I've yet known. (E.ut Ahr. enter Theresa.) 
Ther. — Oh Hero Antony is coming. 

Good morrow Leopole. 
Leo. — Good morrow. 

Hero. — He is coming for us, for there's a good view 

From his porch of this parade to which we 

Are invited. I'll go prepare myself 

For I promised to be waiting for him. {E.vU Hero. ) 
27«?r.— Happy are they for they'll be man and wife 

Ere night. 
Leo. — I envy Antony. 

Ther. — All men do 

That know her. But here he comes and his sister to. 

[Enter Ant, Marg.) 
Ant. — Good morrow. 

Leo. — Good morrow Antony. 

Ther. — Good morrow Antony and Margaret. 

Marg. — Good morrow both. 

Ant. — Love must be contagious for 

These private interviews mean nothing else. 
Ther. —Oh I've oft heard of two diseases 

Whose symptoms were alike. 
.Ant. — Where's my partner 

In this sickness? We'll groan, and heave, and make 

A hospital of this room. 



10 



Marg. — And I'll be 

All your physicians. 
Ant. — No, no. The disease 

Is very contagious, and your none 

To vigorous to catch it. 
Marg.— Yes, I see 

It effects even those who are famous 

For their strength. 
Ant. — Well how goes it with LeopoleV 
Marg. — I see it effects even those, who are 

Famous for their strength. 
Ant— I admit. But how is Leopole? 
Leo. — Oh fairly well. I've just come from Charles. 

Ant.—llo^\ is he? He must have come this morning 

For I looked for him last night. But has he changed? 

Leo. — You'll see him soon yourself, for he'll be here 
Before the parade. 

Ant. — A live year's seperation of two such palls. 
You cannot imagine how this meeting 's 
Looked for. But how does he look, as large as I? 

Leo. — Tall and handsome with a military brace. 

Ant. — Well has he succeeded 

In his fight for fame, and I am proud of 

His acquaintance. Well I do remember, 

How in our youthful sports, he ever did 

Affect commanding, a leadership 

Was always his ambition. And on that 

He has built a monument of fame. I, 

Was ever known for and proud of my strength. 

And age made that youthful pride, a serious 

Ambition till I became an athlete. 

A man's life is modeled out in youth 

By an unseen power and as he dies, 

So was it destined. But no more lecturing (Enter Hero.) 

For here's a better subject. Good morrow, 
if^ro.— Good morrow Antony. I see you're here. 



11 



A7it. — I wish I had been these last few hours, I'ld a 

Rid myself of them, for it tortured me 

To think that father time kept us apart. 
Marg. — I will leave, the disease is very catching, 

And I must not expose myself being frail. 
T/ier.— I'll go to. (Exit Marg., Ther.) 
Leo.— I'll go have a consultation 

With your father. (Exit Leo.) 
Hero.— What new styled bickering 

Is this? 
Ant. — Theresa and Leopole were 

At some private conversation as we 

Entered. I proclaimed it a sign of love. 

They turned the joke on me, and made love in me 

A contagious disease. And love so would 

I have it with you alone as my physician 

x\nd have you catch it. 
Hero. — Why so it is Antony. 

Ant. — As we have our wishes we must be happy. 

[He embraces her, she takes a tie from hi)h.) 
Hero. — This will I keep. 
Ant. — I cannot be without it 

From here to home. 
Hero. — You must. 

Ant. — I'll not. [Goes to take it from her. Enter Leo.) 
Leo. — Hem, Hem. 

Let the patient enter the consultation. 

Come Anthony you are wanted. 
Ant. — Give me my tie. 
Hero. — No, No. My father is waiting. (E.tit Ant. Leo.) Ill 

Not give it to him. I'll hide it. But where ? 

I'll make a garter of it and let him 

Take it off to-night for then I'll be his wife 

And t'will please him. Oh Antony in my eyes 

Thou alone of all men art to be loved. {Ties ow the garter) 

Tis quite a novel way of pleasing him. 

But I guess he'll not think less of me for it. (Enter Char.) 



12 



Oh Charles, welcome. This is a gala clay, 

From all quarters. Glad I am you have returned 
'Char. — It does feel good to be amongst the old 

Familiar scenes and faces once again. 
Hero.) — It seems more than an age since you left. 

You will remain amongst us now I hope. 
Char. — Yes I will remain among those I love. 
Hero. — How was it abroad, did j^ou like it ? 
Char. — Anything that I could wish for was mine, 

But that is naught, wealth, station, fame or sport 

All are nothing without love, that I had 

Left behind. 
Hero. — Were there no friends or ladies there 

That you admired ? 
Char.— 'No, No. They say, man truly loves but once. 
Hero. — And was your love here? 
Char. — Yes Hero. 

Hero. — And why 

Did you not send for her V 
Char. — Would she have come ? 
Hero. — Why sure she would, if she loved you. 
Char.— Hero. 

Can't you see, 'tis you I mean, 'tis you I love. 

'Tis for you I've pined these five long years. 

{He embraces her. Marg. appear and exit. ) 
Hero. — Then you must learn to forget me. I spoke 

But as a friend to you, not thinking you'ld 

Take this privelege. You know I never 

Loved you even as a boy. Besides, I will 

Be Anthony's bride ere night. 
Char.— What! You'll marry 

Antony, that drone, who dares no further 

Than calling distance from his mother V 
Hero. —Save yourself and tell him so. 
Char.— No! I'll not 

Speak as much to him. 



IS 



Hero.— I thought so, but 

You would were he a woman, brave soldier. 
Char. — T'was not in fear I spoke but in honor, 

I am no more within his sphere. 

No, nor ever was. As a boy I used 

His company for pastime. 
Hero — And he used you 

As a mop for pastime. 
Char. — With his strength h(? did, 

But of that the ignorant have the most. 

And such he is, born to sleep and rot 

In his mother's lap, while I went about 

The world and fought through fire and smoke for fortune 

And a name. 
Hero. — In sham battles you might have, 

For you never were where courage alone 

Would bring you. If I had Antony's name, 

I would not trade for yours, besides, I'd rather 

Have him just plain body and soul, than you 

With all the polishings from titles 

Ever bestowed. 
Char. — My business now is with 

Your father. Will you call him ? 
Hero. — I believe, 

He is coming. (Enter Ant. Leo. Abr. following.) 

Ant. — If ever a man did die of ecstasy I will to-day. 

Why Charles, how are you? {Reaches out kis hand. Chas. 

coldly salute.'i.) 

Char, to Hero. — I have business with 

Y'our father. 

Hero. — Antony, I 

Have oft been told, that they who inherit 
Fame or fortune, use either like fools would 
Through ignorance of the way. 
Now I believe it. (Char. Abr. Leo. converse.) 

Ant. — It cannot be he's grown so proud. No, Hero, 
He has been through much excitement the last 



14 



Few days Avhich has quite umierved him, when that 
Is settled he will regret this, and I'll 
Forgive him. 

Hero. — Perhaps. But 

You should remember he was ever so. 

Ant. — Well, forget that now and give me my tie. 

Hero. — No, I will not. 

Ant. — You must, I cannot venture 

From here to home without it. 

Hero. — You must, for I cannot give it to you now. 

Ant. — And why notV 

Hero. — Never mind, I will get you 

One of my father's. 

Ant. — And why not my own ? 

Tell me. 
Hero. — I'll not, another is as good. 

Ant. — I must know why not my own. 
Hero.— Well, if you must know, it is my garter. 

And let it be till you yourself this night 

Remove it, for then we will be wedded. 
Ant. — A kiss and ifs a bargain. (They kiss.) 
Hero.— And 

If any man can show you it ere night, 

I will not deny he has seduced me. 
Ant.— And I will hold you to your word. 
Char, aside.— I would give my office for that tie. 
Hero.— Come 

We'll after Theresa and Margaret 

And prepare us for the parade. {E.vit both.) 
Char. Now all's 

Complete for our exchanging offices 

This noon.. 
Ahr. — I have for weeks been getting ready, 

Wait, I will get the papers. (Exit Abr.) 



15 



Char. — Leopole, 

You are Jealous ol' this Antony, who 
Conquered you by accident, and who now 
Wears your honors. He who is looked at 
As a hero, while you are passed by but 
Asa common man. Say that you are. 

Leo.~ Well, 

No doubt I'd like the honors, but he earned th(Mn. 

Char. — But you can have them, and I will help you 
Get them and pay you well for what you do 
Towards getting them. I would rather see you 
Than he looked up to. 

Leo. — I would have to conquer him ere they'ed be minf'. 

Char. — I say no. Listen, you are a friend 
Of Theresa, Hero's maid. 

Leo. — Yes. 

Char.— Well, 

Hero wears a necktie as a garter. 
Get that for me and I will make you rich, 
And honored. With Theresa's help you can. 
No questions now, do as I bid and I'll 
Do as I said, make you rich and honored. 

Leo. — I would do anything to be again 
In favor. 

Char. — They are in there, go do your best 

To get that tie, "tis worth a fortune. (Enter Abr. Leo 

starts out.) 
Abr. — Here are the papers. 

(Scene closes.) 



16 

(Scene 2.) A Street. 

(Enter jagged citizens from one side. Bill from the other.) 
1st at. — Hurra ! These sporting days don't come often. Come- 

we will have another drink. 
Bill. — What eronicaled event has earned this holiday? 
1st Cit. — Well, if here ain't Bill and Jollying as usual. Come 

make up the party, we're in for a good time. Are you 

with us ? 
Bill. — And Avhere are you making for ? 
1st Cit. — To the Cobweb first, then to see the parade. Are you 

with us ? 
Bill. — Am I with you? Well I guess. But say, is Tom going ? 

Ist Cit. — AVhy, sure Tom is with us. 

Bill. — Then count me out, then count me out. I am above his 

company. 
Tom. — Now what is there about me causes this dislike ? 
Bill. — Oh, that headlight, that boquet on your face. 
Tom. — Why, I bought that myself, and all else that I wear. 
Bill — You forgot, those clothes there're from my last donation 

day. I will have to have another, you begin to look seedy. 

Next Monday, Tom. 
Tom. — You talk of donating. All you own that's not on your 

back is securit}^ for your board. 

1st Cit. — No more boys, for here comes Charles, the newly 

elected. (Enter Charles.) 
Bill, Tom, Oi^.— Hurra ! for Charles. 
Char, salutes. — Tanks friends, come have a drink. 
Cit. — Certainly. 
Bill. — With pleasure. 
Tom. — At your service. 
Bill.—Tlmt tickles us, ay Tom ? 
To7n. — A good man for the office, the election should come 

oftener. 
Char. — Come everybody. (Exit Char.) 



17 

Tom. — That's unnecessary coaxing. (Exit Tom, Bill.) 

Ist at — A wise man is Cliarles, now we shall have good 
judging. 

2d Git. — Wise he is, and we shall. 

Ist Cit. — He looked wise. 

2d Cit.—B.G did that. 

1st Cit. — Did you note how little he said, and how stern he 
looked, and how he did salute. That's wisdom, that's learn- 
ing. Now you have seen a great man. 

M at. — Ay. 

1st at. — But come, we'll be with them. {E.vit atizems.) 
(Scene closes)) 



(Scene 3.) A Barroom. 
(Leo. and Alice discovered.) 
Alice. — Come, Leopole be merry, 

This sullenness does not become you and 

You have no cause for being so. One defeat 

Is no disgrace, not when your victories 

Are summed up. 'Twas an honor to be matched 

To Antony. Come, let's be merry as usual. 
Leo. — Go 'way, you pratting fool. 'Twas such as you 

Caused my defeat, you, who make the fortunate 

Your victims, and prey on them so long 

As they have money, then cast them off for others. 

Go way, I say. I cast you off 

Before I'm so far gone that you'll cast me. 
Alice. — Oh I'm not so sorry as you thought I'ld be. 

But I'll get even with you for this. 

(Enter Char., Bill, Tom., Cit., they go to the bar.) 
All. — Hurrah for Charles. 
Char. — Come what will it be? (TJiey drink.) 
Leo. — Such is fortune's greeting no man gets it. 

My fortune got it once but 

Both have left me. Why are there two such words 

As fortune and favour? 



18 



One is. superfluous, they mean the same, 

They are inseperable, no man has 

Either, they come and go together as 

Natural, as lieat and cold to summer 

And winter. They are what all are after 

But few get, and no man seeks them singly. 

'Tis misery to want them, 'tis misery 

To have them, and yet they're wanted. They were 

Mine once but thej^ escaped me, and now I 

Seek aga'in. Charles will aid me if I will 

Be false to Antony who has so much 

Befriended me. Who would not if they could 

By crooked by-ways come to fortune, if 

Naught but poeple's opinion Avere the punishment ? 

None but the simple. 

And they alone for want of reason, would doubt 

The outcome of a chance. I'll not be such. 

I will do anything to be again 

With fortune and with favour. Who is there 

That has had a leadership o'er his companions. 

An assendancy o'er all, could endure 

Being common and with my chance ? Oh fame, 

Why is thy charm so strong? Why is th}^ yield 

So great? Why is the entrance to your domain 

So complicated, and yet to seem so simple ? 

Art thou the curse from heaven to Adam ? 

Bill. — Hurra ! He has our voices. None before 

Him was as good, ay Tom ? 
Tom. — Hurra ! He's in my favour. 
OWs. — Hurra ! {Char, comes to Leo.) 
Char. — Well Leopole, why so gloomy? Come have one. 

Leo. — I'm gloomy for your good 

And mine. 'Tis brooding harm to Antony 
Makes me so. 

Char. — Yes, we must down him, and that 
To-day. No doubt he'll be a spectator 
To the parade from his house. If some accident 
Should happen there, and blame him for it ? 



19 



Leo. — He'll view it from his porch and that is lined 
With cobbles. If one of them could be pushed oft" 
While he is there ? {Alice listening.) 

Char. — And as I pass. Do that 

And your fortune will return. {They whmper.) {Bill, 
Tom, Citizens shaking dice.) 

Bill. — 'Twas a duce. 

Tom. — 'Twas a six. 

Bill. — 'Twas a duce. 

Tom. — 'Twas a six I say. Afraid you'll get stuck ? 

Bill. — No, you loggerheaded fool, but I'll not get cheated. 

Tom. — Who's a loggerheaded fool ? 

Bill. — You ! {They fight, Citizens fry to stop them.) 

Cit. — Come, stop, be friends. Bill, Tom, stop ! 

Proprietor. — Go outside for such business. I'll have no dis- 
turbance in my place. {Rushes them out.) 

Leo. — And what is your motive 
In downing Antony ? 

Char. — You know Hero, 

Whom he is to wed to-day ? I wished her 
For myself, but she this morning snubbed me 
And went to praising Antony so 
She must have broken my gall, and I'll never 
Rest easy if they are happy. 

Leo. — What does the tie in this ? 

Char. — Did you get it ? 

Leo. — No, but I will, for I have bargained with Theresa 
To procure it, and what I wish she'll do. 

Char. — Then get it 

Without fail, for with that I'll torture him 
If nothing more. Well, I must away. Don"t fail 
But have an accident before his house. 

Leo. — I will try all possible means to. 

Alice. — And I 

Will try all possible means to stop you. 

Char.— Who is this thing ? 



20 

Alice. — This thing is what linows all your plans. 

Char. — What, spying on us ? 

Alice. — No, aeeidently overheard. 

Char. — You lie. You have been spying. 

Alice. — And if I have, what of it ? 

Char. — Yes, what of it, even if you did hear all we said ? 

Alice. — Oh, I might bather you a bit, if I 
See Antony first. 

Chnr. — You bother us, you fallen witch, 

One word from me would lock you up for months. 

Alice. — Then say the word and lock me up, if you can, 
But I'll do some mischief first, and you can blame 
Him for it. I have befriended him 
In all I could for more than a year, and 
Now he turns me off as trash and blames me 
For his misfortune. Leopole, that was 
A dose of poison to me, rank poison. 
And it will take something rank to drive it out. 
I will bring your plans to Antony, that 
May relieve me some. So Good-Bye. I'll see 
Whether you'll wear his honors or not. {Starts to go.) 

Char. — Stop her. (Leo stojjs her.) 

We'll keep you from harm until you are harmless. {To 
proprietor.) Have you a room we can lock her in for a few 
hours ? 

Prop. — Eight here. Bring her in. 

Char. — I've never been fooled by man, so I'll not let woman start 
it. Put her in there ! {Alice fights and screams.) {To 
irrop.) Let her out in a couple of hours. 
Now, Leopole, 
I will go meet the procession. You go 
To Antony's, and don't fail or weaken 
In our plans, for there's much for you to gain, 
And my revenge. 

{Scene closes.) 



21 



Act II. Before Antonys Home. 

(CUizeois discovered lined up like viewing a parade.) 

{Enter Tom, Bill and Citizens.) 

Bill. — We'll find no better place, lefs wait here until they have 

passed. 
Tom. — 'Twill be a long wait without a drink. Keep moving, 

we'll meet some place to stop in. It's better than standing 

here. 
Bill. — You've got a good load aboard now, let that settle, then 

you'll have time and room for another. 

Tom. — Your load must bother you that you refuse. 

Bill. — I have a little sense. 

Tom. — I never saw you pass a barroom when you had cents 
enough to buy a drink. 

Bill. — You never got that blossom from fresh air. {Enter Ant.y 
Hero, Marg., Ther.) Look, there's Antony. Hurra, for 
Antony ! 

^?/.— Hurra ! 

Ant. — Thanks friends, 

For such you must be to give this greeting 
To one who has not earned it. You better 
Save your lungs, for there are some coming soon 
"Who deserve your applause. 

Tom. — If I had done what you have, I would knock him down, 
who would not greet me well. 

Ant. — Here is the porch all fitted for our comfort. 

Hero. — And a lovely view for quite a distance 

Up and down. 
Marg. — That's why we gave 

The invitation. 'Twer hardly worth one 

From a lesser view. 

A7it. — We have not long to place ourselves, so we 
May as well use all the time. But where is 
Leopole ? 



22 



Titer.— He had an errand to fulfil 

But promised to be here ere now. Here he comes. 

You go in the while, I'll wait for him. 
Ant. — Another private interview, still you'll 

Deny your sick. 
Ther.—SNaW I'll not have your physician 

For you grow worse. 
-Margf.— What you say Antony, seems but to feed her wit. 

{Exit Ant, Hero, Marg. Enter Leo. Ther. helps them in.} 

Leo. (asMe)— .Now to my fiendish work, for such it is, 

To mention friendly things to Antony 

While I think but of harming him, the which 

I am sorry is necessary to 

My ambitious desires. Why was I 

Ever famous ? That now I must so envy 

Antony to sustain myself and 

In the guise of friendship play the villian. 

Oh, dam this weakening. I'll not endure 

Being common. {Ther. comes to Leo.) 
Ther. — You are very punctual. 

Leo. — There is a clock in every lover's mind, 

That is regular through love, and he who 

Is tardy in his love meetings, loves not. 
Ther. — You talk of love to me I doubt 3'ou, 

You know so many others. 
Leo. — Were we not 

So conspicuous here, I would prove my love. 

If humbling myself to you would do it. 
Ther. — You seem to cold and wise for a lover. 
Leo. — These citizens, these slaves 

Of love and passion, would mock at true love 

Were they to see it. But tell me, have you 

The tie you promised to procure ? 
Ther. — Yes, here it is,. 

But I would like to know what value it has 

To you. 
Leo. — 'T was Antonys, he wore it as 



23 



A mascot, he claimed it had a charm, and 

As I am supersticious, I value it. 
Ther. — They must not know how you came by it. 
Leo. — They never shall. (Antony appears on porch.) 
Ant. — I know a stanza 

That each of you could sing to the other 

And save your wit, for 'tis just what you wish 

To say : I love my love in the morning, I love, 

(Hero, Marg. come on the porch.) 

But come up they are approaching. {Ex/it Leo, Theo.) 
BUI. — He is wide in the shoulders. 
Tom. — Less than Antony and smaller legged. 
Bill. — Use your eyes, use your eyes man, and see 

That Leopole is larger every way 

And better proportioned. 
Tom. — Man you talk through drink, 

'Tis plain to common sense, that Antony 

Is best man, he conquered Leopole. 

Could he if he were worse ? 

{Officer passes and places them in line.) 
Bill. — Yes when Leopold let him. There was naught 

At stake. Leopole would wager 

A dozen fortunes on another trial, 

But Antony refuses for fear. 
Tom.— He lost 

his reputation that was worth a fortune. 
Bill. — What is reputation V wind, nothing else. 
Tom. — 'Tis on reputation most money 's made. 
Bill. — Have your way to stop your crying. 
Tom. — I'm not 

crying and I wont be. But you know I'm right. 
Bill. — Go sleep it off, your brain is muddy. 
Tom. — No, my brain is not muddy. 
Bill. — Go away. (Pushes him.) 
Tom. — No, I'll not go. 
Bill. — Go away I say, I'm through with you. (Piuihes him again. 



24 



Tom. — No, you can't push me. {They fight, officer arrests them.) 

Bill. — 'T was his fault. 

Tom.^No, he began it by insulting me. 

(Exit officer, Bill, Tom prisoners.) 
Hero. — How brutal were 

Those men, I should think, their bones are broken. 
Ant. — They are intoxicated and cannot 

Hurt each other. They will forget this, and 

Be friends when they are sober. 
Hero. — You seem well schooled as to the effect of drink. 
Ant. — Oh well, a man needs not be a debauch 

To know the effects of liquor, a few 

Good sprees will teach him. 
Hero. — I thought my Antony was temperate. 
Ant. — I have been since I told you so, but I 

Had sprees before then. (Enter the porch Leo, Ther.) 
Leo. (aside.) — This cobble must I push off 

"While Charles is passing as though Antony 

Maliciously had hurled it at him. I am 

Not myself. I would do what 'ere is prompted. 
Ant,— Oh, such a spectacle. Look ! Look ! He was wise 

Who first suggested uniforms for soldiers, 

For while formidable to the enemy 

They inspire a friend. See how more imposing 

Than the. citizens, and yet they are but people. 
Marg. — I think Antony chose wrong to become 

An athlete. 
Hero. — A soldier is so much abroad. (Band passes.) 
Ant. — And this martial music. 

Makes one almost wish for foes. 
Leo. aside. — You need not wish for them, 

Keep interested so 'twill make my task 

More easy. (A company passes.) 

Awt— This is a brave company. Captain Beache's, 
Look, that's he with the medals. They're for 
His bravery, they rhyme to his courage. 



26 



The hottest fight is his delight. 

His comrades seem to know naught but stories 

Praising him. 

But see, here comes Charles, how imposing grand. 
Leo. aside. — My cue to be prepared. 
Ant. — There is a charm 

In fame makes all curious to see him 

They would pass a thousand times unnoticed 

Were he unknown. {Appear Char., Abr. on horseback.) 
Leo. aside. — Be steady my hand 

For if by accident I should down Charles, 

I down myself. (Ant. leans far over.) 
Ant. — Hurra for Charles. {Leo. pushes cobble.) 

Char. — Treachery, traitors, a conspiracy, (he unhorses himself). 

Soldiers seize him, surround the house, cut off 

His escape. 'Twas Antony hurled this cobble 

Towards our person ; seize him he is a traitor. 

Search the house for more, he shall be rewarded, 

Who 'ere takes him or his accomplices. 

For no doubt he is not alone in this. 

How can we govern safely with enemies 

So near in friendship to our person? 
Ant. — What madcap spouting do you here to call me 

Traitor, and offer honors to my captors? {jumps doum.) 

Here, win them yourself, for I did ever 

Wish to help you to them. {Exit above, Hero. Ther., Marg.) 
Char. — Seize him, he is 

Dangerous who so publicly olTers harm. 
Abr. — There must be some mistake, an accident. 
Char. — An accident, to come so near my life? 

No, 'tis a studied plot, I saw him hurl it. 
Ant.— You lie ! 

And know you do, but you're so used to that 

You have them studied and they come easy. 

But this is serious, I'll not deny 

I caused that cobble to fall, but 'twas an accident. 
Char. — You lie ! I saw you hurl it ! 



26 



Ant. — I'll crowd 

That lie back in spite of your position. (Ant. downs /lim.) 

Char. — Seize him men. (Soldiers hold Ant.) 

(Enter Hero, Marg., Ther., Leo. 

Hero. — My Antony, was it 

Your accident caused this transformation 
From blissful liberty to stern captivity? 

Ant. — That's his excuse, 

But I swear he has some deeper motive 
That prompts him to it. 

Hero to Char. — And do j^ou for this wish him prisoner V 

Char. — What more terrible crime could he commit. 
Than attempt the lives of the duke's officers? 

Hero. — 'Tis false, 

I swear it ! I have been his inmost friend 
For many years and I know his mind, 
And have oft heard him praise 
Your qualities and ambition. He was 
The first to applaud your every promotion, 
Of all your friends he was most eager to hear from you, 
And good news he would address as though 
Your person with : Brave, Charles, with but a few 
More strides we shall say Great Charles. 'Twas he 
Suggested as my father knows, all these 
New entertainments for to-day, and he 
Worked for their completion so inceasingly. 
There was no time for conspiring. And now 
You call him your enemy and a traitor 
For this small accident that only seemed to harm. 

Char. — This is no woman's affair. 

Hero. — I did not 

Wish to settle it, but I told what I know. 

Char. — It matters not what you do know, friendship 
Must be forgot in dealing with traitors. 

{To Cap.) — Captain, deal with him quickly and severely. 
We'll rid ourselves of traitors. You have my orders. 



27 



Abr.— Stop, you have not mine, 

And I am master yet. From noon my office 
Will be yours, but till then I shall command. 

Char. — There's no commanding in this case, there is 

A special decree to hang all traitors. 
Abr. — Yes, when it's proven they're traitors. 
Char. — And is he not who came so near my life ? 
Abr. — It is not proven. 
Char. — ^He shall be arrested and tried ? 
Abr.— That he shall. 
Char. — Captain, 

Take him to prison and have him doubly 

Bound and guarded. 
Abr. — Citizens, 

As the gods with their disposing power, 

Have thought best to place in Antony's lot 

This accident by which his enemies 

Do draw suspicion on him, he shall 

For their satisfaction be tried just like 

A criminal. So we must 

Postpone our celebration, and once more 

Do our office duties which we thought were through. 

Char. — Away with him to prison. 

(Exit Char., Leo. one side, the rest the other.) 
(Scene- closes.) 



(Scene 2.) A Street. 

[Enter Citizens Meeting.) 
1st at. — Hallo Jack ! Where away so fast? 
Jack. — I'm going to dress up and go to the trial. 
1st Cit. — What trial is to you so interesting ? 

Jack. — You ask what trial ? Why, where have you been man, 
drunk or fishing ? 

1st Cit. — Neither, but what makes you so excited ? 



28 



Jack. — And have you not heard that Bill and Tom are arrested, 

and Antony, the athlete, too ? 
Cit. — Bill and Tom and Antony. What's Antony done ? 
Jack.- Attempt on the life of Charles. While he was passing 

Antony's house, Antony from a porch hurled a cobble at 

him and most killed him. Th.Qj think it is some conspiracy 

and more are in it whom they must catch, but they will try 

Antony right off. 
Cit. — Is Charles hurt much ? 

Jack. — Just scraped his leg, he was on horseback. 
Cit- Could'nt Antony escape ? 
Jack. — He did'nt try. He was on the porch and Charles was 

offering rewards to who would capture him, and he Jumped 

down and says : -'Take me yourself." 
Cit. — The fool. Got scared after he d done it, no doubt. 
Jack. — No, no, he claimed 'twas an accident he could not help. 
Cit. — The law won't excuse him from that. Accidents don't 

count in law. When I fell through Jerry's window 'twas an 

accident, but I had to pay. 
2d Cit. — He's gone for if he monkeys with the law. 
Jack. — Well, he's arrested, and I am going to see what they'll 

do with him. Charles wanted the soldiers to take and hang 

him from where they were, but old Abe would'nt have it. 

He said he had to be tried first. 
1st Cit. — Oh, he'll go free, I bet. He goes with Abe's daughter, 

he's in the clique. If it were any one of us, they'd a shot 

us on the spot. 
Jack. — I don't think Antony's a traitor. I think 'twas an 

accident. 
2d Cit. — So do I, I don't think he's that kind. 
1st Cit. — Why should he turn traitor ? Sure not for gain, and 

I'd rather have his honors than Charles. 
2d Cit. — And I. But why are Bill and Tom in again ? Fighting 

I suppose. 
Jack. — They were arguing and neither would give the other the 

point and be laughed at, so they fought it out. 



29 



Ist Git. — Who whipped V 

Jack. — 'Twas close, they're both game. 

l8t at. — Both brave men with lots of sand. You must knock 
out either to make him give in. 

,M Cit. — I've seen botli take hard trashings and not squeal. 

Jack. — 'Twas a pretty fight as far as it went, and if it had not 
been stopped, it'ld a been well worth seeing through. Tom 
gave Bill a nice uppercut, 

2d CiY.— Who stopped them ? 

Jack.— Oh, thick Dugan, and if I'ld a been either, I'ld a given 
him one would a done him good. 

2d Cit. — One is allhe'ld stand, he's a very coward, no more sand 
than a rabbit. He got a good punishment from me once 
before he was officer. He's no good. 

Jack. — Well, I'm off, I want to see this trial. Coming ? 

AZit.— Shure. 

{Scene closes.) 

(Scene 3.) Charles, Oncers in Courthouse. 

(Enter Char., Leo and guards.) 
Char. — Go, guards. 

Try and find accomplices in this plot. 

Leave us, for I think Ave're safe within 

These walls. (E.vit guards.) 

Dam your clumsiness that almost 

Made me cripple. 
Leo. — 'Twas not intended I 

Assure 3'ou. But then 'tis well, 'twill make our plot 

More like a treacherous conspiracy 

Against your person. 
Char. — What ! To cripple me 

For evidence against my enemies ? 

Hold you my word so light ? No, no, my word's 

Enough. I, as their future judge must have 

Some power, and I say : He is a traitor. 



30 



Leo. — Yes, but Abraham, the present Judge 
Will not believe it. He has some power. 

Char.— He must believe it ! 

I'll not let that gray bearded fool best me. 
Besides he can reckon the lasting of 
His power in minutes, it is so short. 
Then I will have full sway, and woe to him 
Who interferes with or proposes aught 
Against my wishes. 

Leo. — Yes, but Abe is still 

In power and will be through this trial. 

Char. — How can we prevent it? 

Leo.— Why, I will be 

A doubtful witness, as though I knew not 
How to think, neither favouring nor opposing 
Antony. One that has seen much and yet 
Knows little, and I'll be as though unwilling 
To disclose that little. And then you make 
The questioning of me very minute. 
That way this trial will easily outlast 
The remainder of his term. 

Char.— Good point, 

You should have studied law. 

Leo. — But I see they're coming, 'twer best we were 

Not seen together in private. I'll be 

Away and you can learn their plans. 
Char. — Be where 

I can fmd yon. (E.vit Leo.) Now to convince old Abe 

There was a plot against me. {rubs his leg.) 
I'ld much rather 

This had not happened. {Enter Abr. and others.) 

Abr. — Go find the officers 

Of this court and summon them for speedy 
Business. (E.vit Officers.) {To Char.) A sad task you've 
Made for me by accusing Antony of treason. 

Char. — Sad indeed, sad to you and sad to me, 

For who would have ever thought that treason 



31 



Lurked, wher<^ I looked tor my warmest friendship, 

Tlmt makes me sad. 
Abr. — You lie, you cur, Antony's no traitor. 

Nor he never bore a treacherous thought 

Against you, nor he'ld never hear one spoke 

Without through loyalty, he would proclaim 

It's author. No, no, 'tis that empty hotbed 

Of lies you call your brain, lied to your mind 

That there was cause for Jealousy, for there 

Is nothing else to prompt this 

Terrible accusation. But it is 

Well you may be Jealous of one you are. 

So much inferior to. But until 

You are king of all the earth, until your 

Word alone is law, you'll not harm Antony 

Unjustly. 
Char. — When one has so plain to all beholders, 

Come so near my life, is it then unjust 

To accuse that one of treason ? I think 

It is a loyal sacrifice when that one 

Is so dear a friend. 
Abr. — You sacrifice 

Your friendship, it must be very fickle, 

I pity him whose livelihood depended 

On it. 
Char. — I want no more scolding. He's to 

Be tried, then let him prove he s innocent. {Exit Char.) 
Abr. — There's no treacherj^ on record that has 

A more contemptable object than your own, 

That Antony is innocent, I would 

Stake my life, my honor and my fortune 

On it. I am so confident that had 

He fled, I'M stand his trial, if God above 

Who knows his conscience, were to be Judge. 
{Enter Officers of Court. ) 

Fellow officers of this court, though we 

Have named this day a holiday and set 

It apart for celebration, we find 



32 



It necessary through an unforseen 

Happening to retract our edict and 

Make this one of our busiest days, for 

Great Antony, whom you all know, is accused 

Of treason gainst Charles, whom we were to 

Install in our stead. So you all prepare 

Yourselves with your utmost speed. (Exit Officers.) 

Oh God in heaven, look down upon thy 

Noble Antony and aid him in thy 

Mysterious way, for well thou knowest 

He is an innocent victim of proud 

Charles' spite. {Exit Abr., enter Char:, Leo.) 

Leo. — A well laid plot, your quite an architect. 

Char.— And if, like a builder, you follow my 

Plans, you'll build the evidence that will crush 
Antony, and you'll build yourself once more 
To fame and fortune. 

Leo. — I am to far gone 

In this to flinch at anything. But that tie. 
You have no use for it now. {Shows the tie.) 

Char. — Shure I have {takes the tie) 

I thought at first that this should bring me my 
Revenge, but for that we've other means, so 
AVith this I'll worry him and feed my spite. 
Go you to him, wear this, wear it where he'll 
See it, as though by accident, wear it 
Loosely as though it had no value, and. 
Should he question you, why invent some lie. 
As, some friend of yours took it from his mistresses 
Leg. Mention a struggle for it and how 
Some oath went with her wearing it. Why I 
Could coin lies forever with this start, and 
Each would be as a knife to him. {Exit Leo.) 

All goes well. 
All seem to be in sympathy with me 
And aiding me to my revenge. I never 
Ment to be so hard on Antony, but 
This chance offered to me when I was hot 



33 



With rage at Hero's refusal, seemed like 
The only means to sooth me, and I have 
Ventured till there is so retiring. {Enter Hero.) 
Ah Hero, you are indeed a welcome 
Sight to me in my misfortune. 

Hero. — I am not here 

To please you, l)ut to sue to you, my lord. 

<Jhar. — I am not your lord. Be more intimate Hero. 

Hero. — You hold Antony's liberty in your 
Power, so you are his lord, and his lord 
Is mine. You can proclaim him innocent 
And set him free, 'tis for that I came to sue. 

€luir. — Hero, believe me, Antony's transgression 
Wounds me as much as you, but we must be 
Severe with traitors to discourage them. 

Hero. — Antony's no traitor as you know well. 

You dare speak of him l3ut not to him as sitcli. 

'Char. — Why bother ourselves of him, you know a 
Traitors doom is death. He was much to you 
But soon shall be no more, then may I sue 
In your affections to take his place ? 

Hero. — Think you I would encourage a man who 
Downed my Antony ? No ! If Antony 
Dies; why so do I to all the world. I 
Would live and die a dry old spinster with 
No occupation but training flowers 
For his monument. But Charles, I came to 
Beg of you to retract your charge and set 
My Antony- free. 

Char. — There's but one way to 

Set him free, and that's at your disposal. 

Hero. — And how is that ? 

Char. — Give your consent to be 

My wife and Antony shall live. 

Hero. — If I wished to become your wife I would 
Not sue for Antony's freedom, for I 
Did not think my chance with you was doulttful. 



3tt 



Char. — For your consent to marry me, and for 
Nothing else will I aid this traitor to 
His liberty. 

Hero. — Then give me time to bring this proposition 
To him. If he consents, why so do I. 
I will sacrifice myself for him. {E-vit Hero.) 

Char. — I never thought I would have her so soon 
In supplication fwards me, nor did she, 
When she this morning so proudly spurned me. 
But nor his consent nor your consent 
Can make me aid to save him now, for then 
I'ld be suspected. {Enter Alice.) 

Alice. — I like the way you kept me prisoner. 

C/i«>-. -Well, no doubt it tamed you. 

Alice. — Oh no, it has made me wild and I've heard 
What you have done and what else you intend. 
But I will stop 3^ou by telling what I 
Overheard this morning. That will be my 
Revenge, and perhaps it will tame you. I 
Thought to find a lady here and tell her 
What I heard but now that she is gone I'll 
Go tell Antony, it might be useful 
To him. 

Char.— No, no. Don't go to him ! 

Alice.— Oh, but 

I will, for what I know is a burden 
On my mind, and I wish to be relieved. {Approach Abr.} 

Char. — You shall not go. 
Alice.— ^\\t I'm going. {Starts out.) 
Char. — I say you wont go, and you won't. {Sto2)S her.) 
Alice. — Let me go. Help ! {Ahr. seperaies them.) 
Ahr.—ThQ lady wishes to go. (to Alice) Go ! 
{E.vit Alice.) 
[Scene closes.) 



35 



Act. III. A Prison Cell and Courtyard. 

{Antony discovered bound.) 

Ant. — Heaven grant me depth of reason to clear 
The mystery which surrounds my being here, 
There never happened, that I remember 
T'wix Charles and I, aught that could gall him thus 
To disgrace me for revenge. Could my fame 
Have made him wish to crush me, and could that 
Star which rules my destiny, have caused that 
Cobble to fall for his opportunity ? 
No, our professions are so different. 
They never could cause jealousy. Can it 
Be writ in my destiny, that this accident 
Should seem like treachery to Charles ? No, no. 
There's something gall's him, that he gave so cold 
A greeting for a so long seperated 
Friend. I hope my being Hero's choice is 
No motive for his hateing me, but 
Who knows ? Kejected lovers have become 
So desperate, no punishment had terrors 
For them. If I thought she favored him, but 
Clung to me for her promises sake I 
Willingly would forget her for him, but 
If by cheat he tried to part us he would 
Have to tear me from her each Joint singly. 

{Enter the yard Wiggins and Assistant'i.) 

Wig. — Come, Swipes, there's not much time. We may use this 
grave to-day. You dig here. 

Swi. — Now why should I dig ? They won't bury him in the 
court yard. 'Twill be unnecessary work on me and I think 
I do enough for my pay. 

Wig.— You've done nothing but run for grog to-day. 

Swi. — There was nothing else to do, and there is no need of 
looking for unnecessarj^ work. 

Wig. — If he is to be shot we'll bury him here. So you dig a 
grave. 



36 



Sivi. — I|know it Avill be unnecessary work on me and then filling 

it up again, more unnecessary work. 
Wig. — It must be done, so dig away. 
.Swi. — This way or that ? 
Wig. — Length ways of* course. 
Swi. — How long ? 

Wig. — Well, he's tall, make it twice your shovel. 

And you joiners, here's your timbers, build a gallows. 

{they go to ivork.) Now I've 

Known Antony from boyhood until now, 

And a wilder boy there never was. 

Well liked and honest outside of what boy's 

Motto teaches ; that, stolen fruit is sweetest ; 

He was the last man I thought to have as 

Prisioner. {Joiners hanuner, Antony starts.) 
j^ni, — What fickle fear this forced confinement gives. 

I start like one with a guilty conscience. 

{Wig. knocking) Hallo Antony. 
Awf.— Hallo you. 
Wig. — May I come in V 
Ant.— It I could let you in I'ld not be here myself. 

(Enter Wig., Joiners hammer.) 
^^^^._What hammering is that, it quite unnerves me, 

But I know not why. 
Wig.—'T}S a gallows they are building. 
Ant.— For who ? 
W^:gf.— Perhaps for you. 
Ant.—^o serious. No, no. He may take 

My honor but he cannot wish my life. 
Wig. — I have often wished to wring your neck 

When you were at my apples, but I never thought • 

I'ld have to do it. 
j^nt. You never shall, 

Not for my crimes, for were they all summed up, 

There would be but a father's whipping due. 

Tis not for being a criminal that I 



37 



Am here, but for being an impediment 

Somehow to the desires of Charles, luit I 

Know not whether it be in honor or 

In love. 
Wig. — Antony, 

You've oft made me so desperate mad, I"ve 

Almost broke my teeth in grinding them and 

Cursing you in anger. Yet I believe 

You innocent in this. I believe you'ld 

Take a farm for deviltry, but would not 

Steal an apple for it's value. {Hero, Marg. enter gard.) 
Marg. — Charles made this proposition V 
Hero. — Yes. 
Marg. — What will you do '.-' 

Hero. — Just what my Antony 

Bids me do. If he will have his freedom, 
I'll be the ransom, if not I'll die 
With him, I'll not have Antony either 
Way, so there's no choice but death, for to 
Live without him I will not. What's this, a 
Gallows and a grave ? They must lie for 
Antony. 

Marg. — I'll ask him. {to Swipes.) 

May I ask you what you are doing V 
Swi. — Certainly. 

Marg. — AVell, what are you doing V 
Swi. — Unnecessary work. 
J/f/rry.— What is it to be ? 
Swi. — A grave. 
Marg. — For whom ? 
Swi. — For Wiggins, the jailor. 
Marg. — Is he dead ? 
Swi. — No. 
Marg. — Then why are you digging a grave lor him ? 



38 



Swi. — Tis for him, but 'tis not his. He has a prisioner they 
will either hang or shoot. If they shoot him he gets buried 
here, so I must dig the prisioners grave for Wiggins. He's 
the jailor. 

Marg. — Whose grave is it to be ? 

SivL—A genuine Aillian's, I assure you. One who has often 
plagued me most to death. I would be glad they sentenced 
him onl}' it makes for me unnecessary work. 

Marg.— Who is the villain ? 

SicL — One Antony, and I have oft wished him harm, 
I'm happy if they shoot him. 

Hero. — He is not sentenced yet so don't you be 
Elated fool. And Margaret, until 
He is we will not mourn but try to aid him. 

Wig. — I will believe you innocent no matter what the sentence 
l3ut I cannot aid j'ou for I am but hired. Good by. 

( Wig. comes out of cell. ) 

Awi.— Grood by Wiggins, and forget my misdemeanor. 

Hero. — This must be the Jailor. I'll ask him. 
{to Wig.) Are you the jailor, sir ? 

Wig. — Yes, Miss. 

Hero. — Have you the care of Antony V 

Wig. — Yes, Miss. 

Hero. — May we see him ? 

Wig. — If he will have it certainly. He is in there. 

Marg. — I am his sister. 

Wig. — Then I guess he won't refuse to see you. 
This way, but I must lock you in with him. 

Hero. — Possession is nine points of the law. Then 
Charles with this much start could easily find 
Means to hold us there, but as long as he 
Holds Antony I wish to be held to. (they enter.) 

Ant. — You are two more that I'll swear believe me 

Innocent. 
Hero. — Oh Antony, what hellish fate is this 
Comes so abrupt into our happiness ? 



39 



Ant. — I know not Hero, unless it is our fate. 
I can tiiink of nothing that could be his 
Motive for wishing me removed, and I'll 
Swear he knows as well as God above that 
I'm no traitor, or ever saught his life. 
But how goes the cry among the citizens 
And my friends ? Do they believe me guilty V 

3Iarg. — All that I have heard do sympathize 

With you, not that they think you guilty, Vnit 
For being unjustly charged with treason. 

Ant. — What's being done towards my case V 

Marg. — They are making all preparations for a 

Speedy trial ere Charles term begins. 
Hero. — I've been to Charles to know his mind. 
Ant.—Whsit said he ? 
Hero. — He would have me think that your transgression 

As he called it, gave him much pain. 
Ant. — Then he firmly intends to convict me V 
Hero. — No, he made a proposition for your life. 
Ant. — How liberal. Until now I never 

Knew he had the power to hang or shoot 

A man, or let him live just to his liking. 

But what's his proposition ? I will listen 

How 'ere absurd. 
Hero. — He says on this condition only will he 

Ketract his charge. That I will marry him. 
A7it. — So that's the cause of his dislike for me. 

And had he the nerve for this proposal V 

He must think me a degraded plebian 

Who loves himself alone. No, no. Hero, 

I love my wife and would sooner die than 

She should be sacrificed to him. 

A miserable measily coward 

And no one else would 

Try to benefit himself in this way. 

It cannot be that you encouraged him. 
Hero. — I did not encourage him, I merelv 



40 



Listened, thinking only of doing wliat 
I could for you. And when he finished I 
Came here in all haste for your opinion. 

Ant. — You should know me better than to think me 
Of such fickle mettle. I'M never approve 
Of sacrificing you to save myself. 

Hero. — Think Antony, he'll murder you if I refuse. 

Ant. — No, no, my Hero. He has not so much 

Power. He has made a charge of treason 

Against me, and I must stand a trial. 

But he must prove it ere he can harm me. 

So I fear him not, no more than that he 

Can make much trouble for me if he chooses. 
{Leo. enter court yard.) 
Leo. — Now I am to do 

More dirty work. I am but Charles tool. 

Oh courage, this is no time to falter, 

I have been a fickle simpleton ever since 

I entered this plot against Antony. 

One thought makes me sorry and repenting 

And the next one gives me courage. I hope 

He will see this tie and then again I 

Hope he wont for fear of what he'll say. 
Hero. — I will go to him once more, and see if I 

Can make him sorry for what he's done. 
j^fit, — No, no, your supplication will but make him prouder. 
Hero. — I'll not feel satisfied till I've done all I can. 
Leo. — Jailor, may I see Antony ? 
Wig.— He has company now. {Hero Mocks.) 

But I guess they wish to leave, {opens the door.) 
Marg. — You need not be lonesome for here comes 

Leopole, so I'll go away with Hero. {E.vit Hero, Marg.) 
Leo. — Antony, accept my sympathy,. 

For a case like yours I never heard of. 

Ant. — Thanks, Leopole, for I am anxious that my friends 
Should think me innocent. But Leopole, 



41 



Did you take note of how that cobble I'ell ? 
I was so interested I did not. 
Leo. — I"ni sure I did not, for I 

AVas interested too. You did lean forward tl)ouL!;li. 

Ant. — I was much interested, 

And so I think it happened, but it pains 

Me most that he I've done so much for, was 

So easily provoked to wish me harmed, 

For had he but common sense, he must know- 
It w^as an accident. 
Leo. — Perhaps there is 

Some rivalry between you. 
A7it. — So it seems. 

For he now^ wishes Hero's hand in marriage. 
Leo. — He knows not his own mind for within this hour 

He told me he would never marry, as 

He had the using of more women now 

Than he could tend to and stay healthy. 
Ant. — Were you with him ? 
Leo. — I w^ent to pump him, for why he charged you 

With conspiracy. But he would not talk 

Of that, he seemed more interested in 

Some foolish woman as he called her, who 

Loved him unreasonably. 
Ant.— Would he 

Not mention Avhat caused his sudden hate for me ? 

Leo. — No. As often as I broached your case, he would start off 
about this woman. Says he : She's a maid, mind you, about 
to be married to another, but she so loves me, she sought 
my aid to rid herself of this other, whom she cared not for. 

Ant. — Would he not say if it was not impulse made him accuse 
me V 

Leo. — I tried him every way but twas no use, 

He would talk of nothing else but this maid. Why, 
Says he : She is so conquered by my charms. 
She will discard her promised husband. 
Though not point l)lanc, through modestj^ so she 



42 



Brought a plot to him, to lure her lover 

From the scent. 
Ant. — And is he so unconcerned 

About a life which almost depends on him V 
Leo.— He said this plot was to remove 

Forever this prospecting husband 

As an impediment. And then he laughed. 

Ant. — Who was this maid ? and who her promised husband' 

Leo. — He would not say. It seemed to please him most 
To keep that secret. He claimed I know her well 
But could never guess. 
Said how she loved him ere he went av/ay 
But loved him more on his return. 
He thought his station made the extra love, 
That's why he cared so little for her. 

Ant. — And how came he to her V 

Leo. She came to him, 

And was overcome embracing him when 
Her lovers sister appeared and stopped the fun. 
But he has seen her since and she's now stale. 
She had her lovers necktie as a garter, 
Tied there with an oath, this he removed 
And cared so little for it, he threw it at me, 
And I thought so well of it that I do wear it. 
(Ant. sees it and starts.) 

Ant. — Who was she, say you ? 

Leo. — I know not, but no doubt some common strumpet. 

Ant. — You lie ! 

She who wore that tie was no such thing nor 
Ever stayed with Charles. 'Tis another of 
His dirty plots to sully her pure name. 
He's not content with ruining mine. 

Leo. — Do you know her ? 

Ant. — No, no, no. But what he's done to me makes 
This opinion of him. No doubt 'tis true 
For there are manj^ 



43 



That greatness will enamor. But you say, 

She brought some plot which would remove her husband? 
Leo. — So he told me but he'ld not mention what it was. 
Ant.— And she was stale to him ? 
Leo. — Yes, Antony. But why this agitation V 
Ant. — Oh nothing. Leopole, my being prisioner 

Has quite unnerved me, I am not fit 

To entertain you, Leopole, leave me 

As a friend. (Leo. knocks.) 
Leo.- I will Antony, and will do my best 

To appease your prosecutor. (Wig. unlocks.) 
Leo. — Good by, Antony. 

Ant — Good b}'. (E.rU Leo. to court yard.) 

Leo. — That must have hurt. 'Twill cause 
This mental agony which has nothing 
Visable for arrousing sympathy, 
Like the bleeding of some painless cut which 
Would bring tears and sighs and gentleness from all. (E.vit.) 

Ant. — Hero Charles' es stale and plotting against 
Her lover, wh}' that is me. No, I'll not 
Believe it. But he had my tie and she 
Said, if any man could show me that, she'ld 
Not deny he has seduced her. What brought 
Those thoughts to her ? She plotted to rid herself 
Of her intended husband. Wh}', she was 
On the porch, could she have pushed that cobble V 
No, no. She would not, yet it appears I 
Did not for I felt no jar which I would have 
Had my weight been on it. She did admit 
She came from him to me and would return 
. To him. But then I'll not believe it. Hero 
Is true to me. He said her lover's sister 
Caught her embraceing him. 

Why that is Margaret, I'll be convinced. (Calls Wig.) 
{Enter Wig.] 

Ant. — Is Margaret about ? 

Wig.- Yes, she's at the gate. 



44 

Ant. — Bring her to mo. (£".1'/^ Wig.) 

Now she can prove if Hero is false to nie, 
She will not lie, (Enter Marg.) 

Ant. — When did you first see Charles since his return? 

Marg. — Why this morning, when we had left you to 
Your lovemaking for a while, I returned 
To tell you sonuething, 

Charles must have come just ere I entered, for 
Hero was Just greeting him, and as I 
Am not familiar with him, I retired 
Ere they had seen me. 

Ant. — Were they familiar ? 

Marg. — Why sure they were. Why not ? They are old friends. 
Why they embraced like lovers. 

Ant. — What's that, you too against me ? Have 1 
No friends on earth ? No, no, Margaret, I 
Believe you, but Hero is false to me. 
She is Charles'es mistress, 
'Twas she who plotted for my life, I am 
An obstacle to her enjoying him, 
She s with her lover now, I'll soon be there 
Myself and to catch them while embraceing 
Will be much more convincing proof. 
{ttigs at /lis bonds.) 

Break ! Ijreak ! 
' Don't think you can withstand a desperate 
Athlete's strength, (breaks away.) 

Marg. — Why Antonj", what do you mean ? 

Ant. — Away ! Don't bother me now, 
I'm not accountable for my deeds. 

(breaks the door, Wig. tries to stop liini.) 
Ant. — Out of my way, out of my way ! 

(Knocks Wig. and Assitants down and e.vit.) 
(Scene closes.) 



45 



(Scene 2.) A Street. 

{ Citizens discovered. ) 
Isf Cit. — Think you tliey will piiiiisli Antony with liis lil'e ? 
Jd Cit. — Shure. 'Tis evident he is a traitor, and they cnther 

hang or shoot them. But he went so open about it and 

missed. - 

Ist Cit. — The fool, with the risk he ran he should iiave made it 

more shure. 
2d Cit. — Had he killed Charles he would not suffer more. 
1st Cit. — And yet they call him so great. 
2d Cit. — He is good at Avrestling. 
1st Cit. — He has no head, so he proved to-day, and it takes a 

head to wrestle. I always did think Leopole ga\ e him that 

last match. 
Jd Cit. — Yes, I guess you're right. Well, if they convict him 

Leopole will again be champion. 
1st Cit. — Yes, and I would sooner see him too. 
M Cit. — And if this ain't him, I don't know him. Speak of any 

one but the devil and they'll appear. Did you c'vcr know 

that proverb to fail V I did'nt. 
1st Cit. — Nor I either. {Enter Leo., theij .^^ntntc him.) 

Hurra for Leopole ! Hurra ! 
Leo. — How do you do, gentlemen V Happy days. [E.vit Cit.) 
Figuring on Antony's 

Execution they but surmise I'll rise 

And already greet my fortune. 

They little know the sneaky way I use 

To gain that fortune, but. that matters not, 

They would not greet me for my morals. I 

Am sorry I ever entered this plot 

With Charles, but he will pay me for my share 

I'll warrant, and that before it is too late. 
(E.vit Leo., enter Citizens.) 
1st Cit. — You never saw Leopole? I thought (nerybody knew 

him. There he goes, that's him. 
Sd Cit.— A noble man, (luf proportioned. 



•4H 



:2d at. — And right worthy of holding the championship. 

1st Clt. — There is none can down him. 

M Git. — He's a good spender, I often drank on him. 

Sd at. — Wliere does he be often ? 

1st at. — Nowhere in particular, everywhere or anywhere, just 

as it, happens. 
:3d Ci^^What is this crowd coming ? 
1st at. — They're chasing some one. 
Sd at— Who can it be V 
:2d at. — A madman. 
1st at. — Ain't that Antony ? 
M at. — As I live it is. He has escaped. 
1st at. — They're trying to stop him. 
.kl at. — Let's help them. 
.'d at. — I'll not, he looks desperate. 
1st at. — Nor I. He has a lions strength. {Enter Ant.) 
Ant. — Make waj' there, I"ll kill the first man hinders me. 
(Rushes across the .stage, knocks citizens down and e.vit.) 
(Scene closes.) 



(Scene 3.) Charles Office. 

[Enter Hero, Alice following.) 
Alice. — I had quite a race to overtake you, 

So now I hope you'll listen to me. 
Hero. — Why shure I will listen, but 

I have important business bids me haste. 
Alice. — I doubt not but what I have to say 

Concerns your business. 'Tis of Antony 

I would speak. 
Hero. — What do you know of him ? 
Alice. — That his arrest was plotted for by those 

He thought were his best friends. 
Hero. — How plotted for ? 
Alice. — Charles has some dislike for him, and he holds 



4T 



What once were Leopole's honors, so they 

Plotted for his ruin. 
Hero. — How do you know all this ? 
Alice. — I overheard them propose an accident 

From the porch as Charles would pass. 
Hero, — You mean the falling of that cobble 

AVas prearranged by Charles and Leopole ? 
Alice. — I do, and that Leopole pushed it purposely 

And not Antony by accident as you think. 
Hero. — If what you say be true 'twill recreate 

My hopes for future happiness, which I 

Thought gone forever. But Leopole is 

Antonj^'s friend. 
Alice. — He but seems so. He was 

Mine once too. I tell 3'ou I did hear him 

Kail on fortune and on Antony for 

Bobbing him of it, and because he came 

And went unnoticed, while Antony's 

Every move and look would bring forth cheers. 

Then he railed on me and cursed me so, I 

Swore revenge, and my chance soon came, for Charles 

Approached and told him of his grudge and how 

By downing Antony he'ld be revenged 

And Leopole would be again in favour. 
Hero. — ^And would you swear to this before them ? 
Alice. — Yes, and before God Almighty. 
Hero. — Then if Charles is to be found I'll 

Bring him here and Antony will be free. 
{E.vit Hero, enter Charles.) 
Alice. — Now you important one, we'll see who'll 

Get the worst of this morning's quarrel. 
C/ior.— Why, what do you mean ? 
Alice. — What, why that she knows all that went between- 

You and Leopole this morning. 
Char. — You told her of that plot ? 
Alice. — Cert, and I'm going to swear to it at 

The trial, if there is one. 



48 



Char. — You degraded wretch, 

How far will your word go aside of ours '.-' 
Alice. — I don't know or care. They may not believe me, 

But I'll get them thinking. 
Char. — If you don't leave this town and in a hurry, 

I'll lock you up for what you are, not fit 

To mingle with respectable people. 
Alice. — Oh what I know does not amount to anything, yet you 

wish me to leave town. Gruess not. I would sooner stay 

and bother you. And as for your having, me arrested, ha! 

I am in the business to long to think you can do it. 
Char. — Where is she going V 
Alice. — To look for you and make you come down from your 

high perch. 
Char. — You've ruined me. 

Alice. — I hope so, but I never thought I was so wise, {knocking.) 
Char. — Will you step in this room until I find out what is 

wanted ? 

Alice. — And have you lock me in ? Oh no ! 

Char. — Then here into the hall, but don't leave for I have some 

business with you. {Exit Alice.) 
Char. — Come in. {enter Officers.) What's wanted V 

Offic. — I have a summons for you to appear at the trial of 

Anton}'. 
Char. — I will not fail to be there. {Exit Officers, enter Leo.) 

Y'ou never arrived at a more fortunate time. 
Leo. — What's up. 

Char. — We're lost, unless by stratagem or 

By some precious gem you can win Alice 

To our favour. She has told Hero all 

She overheard this morning. 
Leo. — What ! I'll tear her heart out. 

Char. — No, no, I have a better plan. She is 

In love with you, make her think you return it. 
Leo. — But I turned her from me this morning. 



49 

€har. — Give some excuse for that, as, 

You were indisposed or so, and give lier 

All the gold she wants, I know she'll yield. 
Leo. — Where is she ? 
Char. — In the hall. Now you retire and when she gets here, 

3^ou happen in aecidently as though j^ou'ld not seen me, be 

very affectionate. {E.vit Leo.) 
Char. — {Opening the door.) 'Tis now to late to refuse a risk on 

an obstacle. {Enter Alice.) Important business has come 

before me, which I must attend to immediately, you wait 

here. 111 not be long and I must see you. {Exit Char.) 

Alice. — I never thought I would be so lucky as to hold secrets 

valuable to rich men. {Enter Leo.) 
Leo.— • Well, well, Alice, 

You're looking splendid, charming enough 

To tempt the coldest flesh. It seems an age 

Of seperation I've been through, but we'll 

Soon be again with fortune, and able 

To revel to our heart's content. 
Alice. — Who do you mean hy we ? 
Leo. — Why, you and I, of course. You're not surprised 

I hope, that I know of your hankering 

For sport ? I guess you've not reformed. 
Alice. — Do you put this friendship on to mock me ? 
Leo. — Come, come, xilice, 

We've had too many rackets together 

To act like moralists. 
Alice. — I don't deny my business, but do you 

Know that I squealed what I o'erheard this morning ? 
-Leo.— No ! To who ? 
Alice. — To Hero. 

Leo. — That will ruin all our sport. Why did you ? 
Alice.- -Yon used me rough this morning. 

Leo. — And did you mind that ? 

Have you never felt as though you hated 
Yourself ? That's the way I felt this morning. 



50 



I did not know what I was saying. We've 

Got to fix this some way or loose our sport, 

For with Antony away I am the hero, 

And you linow me w^hen I liave money. 

How did you fix it with Hero ? 
Alice.—I told her all I heard and she wants to 

Have me to swear to it at the trial. 
Leo.— You go to the trial 

And deny it all, deny you ever 

Spoke to her. You will never be sorry. 

Here's money for you to spend. See, I am 

But on the w^ay to fortune and I have 

Money, I will have much more if j^ou'll but 

Help me to it. Will j^ou deny all you 

Told her for me ? 
Alice. — I will deny I ever saw her on a bed of bibles. 
Leo. — Good ! 'Tis not best we were seen together until all is 

over, they might suspect. 
Alice. — 1 11 go invest this money in silk stockings. 
Leo. — Well, good by, until this is over, then we will swim in 

wine. 
Alice. — Adieu. {E.vit Alice.) 
Leo. — More dirty work, but that was easy. 

I say Charles. {Enter Char.) 
Char.— Well, how is she ? 
Leo. — Blot her out as an obstacle. 
Char. — How did you do it ? 

Leo. — With little gold and big promises. But there is no time 
to spare, I must see the prosecutor and buy him to lengthen 
out this trial. (Exit Leo.) 

Char. — 'Tis not long till Antony will be no more. 

Then I shall have proud Hero at my feet. (Enter Hero.) 

Hero. — Prepare yourself 

For a mighty transformation. When last 
We met I was at your command, now bow 
Yourself in supplication. 



51 



Char. — This is indeed a transformation, but 
Why should I bow. I am no miscreant. 
ilZero.^No, but a conspirator. 
Char. — Why, how is that ? 

Hero. — One who o'erheard you 

Plotting to down Anton^^ has told me all. 

Char. — How absurd, that I should plot against one 

Who awaits a death sentence. 
Hero. — That death sentence 

.When I have told them all I know, v.'ill be yours. 
Char. — Come, tell me all I am interested. 

Hero. — Leopole and yourself this morning did conspire 

To push that cobble from the porch, and then 

Charge Antony with treason. You see I 

Know it all and want jow to settle 

Antony's freedom. {Appear Ant.) 
Char. — Go away, you rave. I hope your interlect 

Is not impaired by love. 
Hero. — I do love, I admit. 
Ant. aside. — Too true, she does love him and I've been duped, 

Tis from her own lips. 
Hero. — But think well before it is too late, think 

Of the disgrace 'twill cause you. 
Ant. aside.— She's stale to him and he'll not marry her. 
Hero. — The dishonor to your name, to be arrested, 

And have me prove you guilty. 
Char. — Have me arrested, if you will, tell them all you know, 

and see if a strumpefs word will outweigh mine. Leave 

me, I have no use for you. 
(Antony comes forward. ) (Appear jailor and guards. ) 
Ant. — And little do I blame you Charles, for this 

Discarding of a strumpet. 
Hero. — My Antony, and free, (goes to him, he pushes her away.) 
Ant. — Yes, 

Free from my prison bonds, and free from you. 



52 



Thank heaven. By your plot for my disposal 
You thought to ruin me, but you made me, 
For far better is an honorable death, 
Than life that's linked to your dishonor. 

Hero.— What does my Antony mean V 

Ant. — You'll still use your dissembling gift, and play 
The innocent. T'wer better you were quiet. 
And not add lies to your dishonor. 

Hero. — As my Antony wishes. 

A7it. — No, no, not yours, Just as you wished it, and 
Happy I to know 'tis so. And may you 
Have success in those desires in which I 
Hindered you. Come, olRcers, bring me back, 
I will stand a trial, yes, and if sentenced 
Die happy after what I have escaped. 



{Cruards take Antony.) 
{Curtain.) 



53 



Act. IV. Scene, Court Room. 



(Enter Leo. and Prosecutor.) 
Leo.— You see, Antony will be tried this morning while Abra- 
ham is still in ofRce, and he being interested in Antony, 
who is his daughter's intended husband, will hurry things 
through before Charleses term begins. Now what I want 
is, for you to do what you can to draw this trial into 
Charles' es term. * 

Pros.— No doubt something will turn up through which I can 
gain a stay for you. 

Leo. — You being acquainted with the way of law would see a 
chance where others would'nt. 

Pros. — True, and for our friendship's sake, I will use it to your 
advantage, though I have nothing against this Antony. 

i^eo.— That's what I want. Now come, we will drink together 
for luck. (Exit both, enter Hero. ) 

Hero. — Am I the first one here ? Well, I should be. 
For I am more interested than all others, (kneels. ) 
Heaven look with thy allseeing eye upon 
The unjust misery thy righteous subject 
Suffers, and with thy impartial mind convict 
The true transgressor. Give thy Judgement to 
Thy officers below that they may punish 
The guilty, (rises.) 

Was ever woman in my plight ? No, no, 
Antony was not himself when he did spurn me. 
An unjust imprisonment and charged with 
Treachery by those he has considered 
His dearest friends is enough to upset 
The strongest mind. I have excused what he 
Has done no matter what the source, and I 
Will prove that I love him, though he would hate 
My corpse. Here will I await what is to come. 
(Hero sits down, enter court officers, citizens, Char., Leo.) 

Hero. — You are well met though not by accident 
For villians seek their kind for company. 



54 



Char. — I wish you knew the truth and had no faith 

In what you heard, then would- you know us as friends 

Hero. — I sought no conversation witli you, I 
Intended to insult you, but you are 
So hardened that I cannot. 

Char. — We will leave you until you are convinced. 

We wish you well. {They leave her.) 
Hero. — Hea^en only knows 

Its object in distributing such natures 

Here amongst us. Wickedness on earth 

Must be decreed by heaven, or else 

Such minds would not exist. But, 

Where can this woman stay V 

{Enter officers with Tom avd Bill.) 
Tom. — Now to give the price of half a dozen good sprees to en- 
rich a rich city. 
Bill. — I'm sorrier than you are, for its all your fault. 
Tom. — Because I tried to stop you from making an ass of me its 

my fault. I'ld sooner be arrested, than showed up like 

that. {Enter Antony guarded.) 

Bill— Hallo ! What's he done ? 

Tom. — He's not been fighting I'll warrant, for no one would 

tackle him. (As Antony passes Hero she comes to him.) 
Hero. — Antony, do you not know me ? 

Ant. — Take this woman from me or else release me 

That I ma}' protect myself. (Guards push her airay. she 
iveeps, enter Marg.) 

Marg. to Hero. — Why not practice what you preach V 
He is not sentenced yet and until ho is 
We will not mourn. 

Hero. — He's worse than sentenced, he's mad. 

Marg. — So I thought when I last saw him, as 
He charged me with conspiring for his life. 
Then forgave me, claimed j'ou were false, and 
Plotting to dispose of him, then broke his bonds 
Bushed through the court yard, passed theguards, and 



55 



Until now I have not seen him. I 

Will go speak to him. 
Hero. — I doubt he will know you, he did not me. 

And my presence seems to aggrivate him. 
Marg. — Perhaps 'tis best I keep away. 

Hero. — Come with me, 

They are not ready, and I will tell you 
Of the plot makes Antony prisoner. 
I heard it from a friend, and she must be found 
As our main witness. {Evit Hero and Marg.) 

Leo. — Can Hero have already told him what she heard 

Char. — Why no, 

He would not listen to her when they met. 
About the necktie and what else he heard 
From you worked to perfection. Now if Alice 
Will keep her word he will not know until 
It is too late. 

Leo. — She would do twice as much to win my smiles 
If I'll but give them. I will go sympathize 
With Antony. {Goes over to Antony.) 

Antony, I can bring 
But little consolation to you. 

Aiit. — Leopole, old friend, I don't want any, 
The news you brought me in my cell 
Was sufficient. You little knew how I 
Was connected with that story, or perhaps 
You did, but respecting my dejection, 
Would not be bold by bringing more, but as 
A friend gave me a clue to proofs. Was it 
Not so, Leopole ? You're silent to respect 
My feelings, and Leopole, twice dear you 
Make your friendship by it. Through 3'our clue I 
Am convinced my love was trifling with me, 
And now I w^elcome death as much as ever 
I cared to live. 

Leo. — Antony, stoj> or I 

Will wish for death mvself. 



56 



-^ni. — No, no, you live, 

Live and be famous, live and be honored 

As an athlete, for the people must have one 

For their amusement and their idol, and 

Who is there but you that is worthy and 

Entitled to their praise ? And Leopole, 

All the medals and trophys I have won 

I've willed to you, they with my titles, when 

I am dead are yours with my best wishes 

That you honor them, and there is no one 

More confident than I am that you will. 
Leo. — Antony, you do not know me or you 

Would not say this, you'ld sooner curse me, if 

You knew my mind. 
^nt. — All ill feelings that have grown 

From my victory over you, I do forgive. 

For human nature makes us all jealous 

Of our fame. {Enter Abr., takes judge's seat.) 

Leo. — The court is about to open, 

I will leave you, and let heaven guide 
Our future for the best. (Leaves Antony.) 

Sheriff. — Oh yes, oh yes, this court is now opened, {etc.}. 
Abr.~ Fellow officers. 

Though we had suspended business for this day, 

Set it apart for holiday and rejoicing 

As is a custom. 

An unforseen accident has compelled us 

To convene and give speedy redress to 

An offended citizen. We will hear 

Antony's case. 

Pros. — Your Honor, the cases of Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson 
are first on the docket. 

Abr. — This court convened to-day especially for Antony's case. 

Pros. — There is no law that specifies certain prisoners shall be 
favoui-ed either for relationship to its servants or for their 
social worth. {reads) Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson^ 
breach of the peace. 



Abr. — Tis not 

His relationship to tlie officers 

Of this court, nor his social standing makes 

His case special, but the seriousness 

Of the charge. 
Pros. — All crimes are serious, and he must await his turn, 

(reads) Tom Sawyer and Bill Johnson, breach of the peace 

(They are brought foricard.) 

Tom to Bill. — It's your fault we're in this pickle. 

Pros. — You are charged with breach of the peace. To this 

Charge what is your plea, guilty or not guilty ? 
Tom. — You see Bill there, was not good humored. 
Pros. — Are you guilty or not guilty ? 
Tom. — He buckeled me and I resisted. 
Pros. — I did not ask to hear your case. Are j^ou 

guilty or not guilty ? 
Tom.— Well, we faught. If you call that 

guilty, I am. 
Pros, to Bill. — You are charged with breach of the 

peace. To this charge what is your plea, 

guilty or not guilty ? 
Bill. — The same as him. If he's guilty, I am, 

I won't squeal and try to put it all on to him, 

I'll take my medicine like a man. 
Abr. — This day being a holida}- we will excuse 

Your slight offense. You are discharged. 
(Tom and Bill start out.) 
Bill. — That's luck. If they had sent us up for thirty days, how 

could we have stood it without a drink ? I am as dry as 

though I had lived on herring for a week. Let's hurry to 

a saloon. 
Tom. — We will go drown our happiness as some would 

drown their sorrow. (E.vit both.) 

Abr. — Any more ahead of Antony ? 

Pros. — Next comes Antony. (He is brought forward.) 

You are charged with treason and attempt on the life of 



58 

Charles, one of the duke's officers. To this charge what is 

your plea, guilty or not guilty ? 
Ant — Not guilty. 
ProH. — We will hear Charles. 
Char. — What I have to say you all know well, that 

While passing with the parade, where he was stationed, 

A large cobble hurled with murderous intent. 

Just missed its mission and scraped my knee, and 

'Twas Antony that threw it. 
Pros. — What have you to say to that ? 
Char. — Such an accident happened. 
Char. — 'Twas no accident. 

He had some treacherous design 

No doubt against this government. 

Pros. —Can you prove otherwise ? 

Ant. — Can he prove that V 

Pros. — What is your defense ? 

Ant. — No more than that I was on the porch 

So interested in the passing parade 

That I leaned my weight against a cobble 

And it fell, with results though not intents, 

Similar to those which he discribed. 
Char. — Here are more witnesses. (Points to Leo. and guards.) 
Ahr. — They know no more than you so we 

Have no need of them. 
Char. — I say he intended to murder me, 

(Enter Hero and Marg., leading Alice.) 
Ahr. — You have not proven it. 
Hero. — Come quick or we'll be too late. 
Alice. — Why in such haste am I brought here V 
Char. — I say he is guilty of treason. 
Hero. — I say he is not and I can prove it. 

Char. — I say he is guilty and should pay the penalty of death. 
Abr. — She says she can prove he is not and conviction goes by 

proof alone. We will hear you. 



59 



Hero. — I say he {pomting to Char.) is guilty of forming a plot to 

ruin Antony. Here is a woman who o'erheard him, {to 

Alice). You tell them, you know it better. 
Alice.— What shall I say ? 
Hero. — What you told nw this morning. 
Alice.— 1 told you nothing. 
Char. — She is the prisoner's lover, and this is an excuse for 

some advantage. 
Hero. — Why, you told me, that Charles and Leopole were plot- 

ing to dispose of Anton3\ 
Alice. — If ever I have set my eyes on you before 

It has slipped my memory. 

Leo. aside. — 'Tis wrong for me to be silent. 
{Jhar. — This is some ruse to work your pity, 

She will weep directly. I motion for 

A death sentence as he is proven guilty. 

(Hero places herself beside Antony.) 
Hero. — If he is guilty, then so am 1 as 

An accomplice, for I know his mind and 

Know it to be as free from treachery 

As is God's above, {to Alice) And you know he is to be 

{points to Charles) 

As full of treachery as is a snakes. 

Leo. aside. — I must speak. 

Char. — That's from the case. I motion for a sentence. 

Abr. — There has been nothing proven in this case. 

But I believe. 

This lady has some valuable proof 

Which she imparted to this other. 
Alice. — I know nothing. 
Leo. You lie you do. 

And so do I. Antony, I must speak. 

I envied you for defeating me but 

Never enough without his aid, {points to Char.) to do 

What I have done. 

He pricked me on with golden promises 



60 



Till I conspired with him to ruin you, 
I pushed that cobble from the porch and Charles 
Is my accomplice. 
Ant. — How about the tie V 

Leo. — 'Twas got by trickery, 

Hero is innocent and true to you. 

Ant. — Hero, will you forgive 

My fickle confidence in you ? 

Hero. — I would call nothing fickle 

That was done amid these trials. 

(bells ring twelve.) 
Char, to Ahr. — I claim my office, your time's expired. 
Ahr. — Antony, I find no proof of guilt against you. 

So you are discharged. 

Char. — Soldiers, he would rob me of my privilege, 
This office and this case to finish are mine. 
And I'll fight for what is mine. 

Ant. — And so will I. {Rushers out and stiatches a sicord, meets 
Charles, they fight, soVdiers drive Leo. and Ahr. hack with 
bayonets. Antony is besting Charles.) 

Char. — Help me, soldiers. 

(Soldiers go to stab A7it. in the back. Hero steps between. ) 
Hero. — Away, you cowards from his back ! 

(Soldiers stab her, she falls.) Ant. stabs Char., turns on 

soldiers and drives them back.) 

Hero. — Antony, I hope you think me true. 
Good by, good by, Antony, (dies.) 

(Antony turns and sees her, throws away his sword and kneels 
beside Hero.) 

Ant.— Hero \ Hero! Dead! 

Heaven forgive me for this foul deed, 
For I know no sacrifice or penance 
With which I may redeem myself. 
. (Soldiers stab him, in the back, he offers his breast.) 



<-.l 



Hero, strike where my mortal source is, ami end 
My living quick. Then if my earthly (|ualities 
Of endurance stay with my spirit, 
I will o'ertake her. 

{Soldiers stab Jiim in the l}reasl.) 

Now my Hero, 
Your Antony will soon be with you. 

(Falls over on Hero and dies.) 

{Curtain.) 



IVIAR 29 Vo^d 



